Pothole-Pocked Streets Cost Tallinn €24,000 in Damages

Last year, the Tallinn city administration ended up paying car owners nearly 24,000 euros in damages stemming from incidents related to its poorly-maintained streets.

As many as147 claims against the city were made in 2011 by drivers who said their cars were affected, 60 of which were upheld, Deputy Mayor Kalle Klandorf said in answer to questions from a City Council member.

Potholes were blamed in 91 of the claims while another 20 were related to manhole covers, Postimees reported.

Tallinn's tight budget for traffic management, 1.2 million euros in 2011, has prompted it to opt for cutting down on snow removal in favor of spreading salt, which has further deteriorated the already pothole-ridden roads.